The Necklace Guy De Maupassant Questions
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story written by French author Guy de Maupassant in the late 19th century. It tells the story of a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who longs to be part of the high society and becomes obsessed with a necklace that she borrows from a wealthy friend. However, she loses the necklace and spends the next ten years of her life paying for a replacement, only to find out that the original necklace was a fake. Here are some questions that can help you better understand the story.
What is the significance of the title?
The title of the story, The Necklace, refers to the piece of jewelry that Mathilde borrows from her friend Madame Forestier. It is also symbolic of Mathilde's desire for wealth and status, as she believes that wearing the necklace will make her fit in with the upper class.
Why is Mathilde unhappy with her life?
Mathilde is unhappy with her life because she is not wealthy or part of the upper class. She dreams of a life of luxury and glamour, and feels that her middle-class lifestyle is beneath her. She is also unhappy with her looks, believing that she is not pretty enough to be accepted by high society.
What is the conflict in the story?
The main conflict in the story is between Mathilde's desire for wealth and status and the reality of her life. She believes that wearing the necklace will make her happy and fulfilled, but the loss of the necklace and the subsequent debt she incurs only makes her life more miserable.
What is the theme of the story?
The theme of the story is the danger of obsession with material possessions and the pursuit of wealth. Mathilde's obsession with the necklace leads her down a path of debt and unhappiness, and she ultimately realizes that the necklace was not worth the cost she paid for it.
What is the irony in the story?
The irony in the story is that the necklace that Mathilde lost and spent years paying for was actually a fake. This shows the futility of material possessions and the danger of obsessing over status symbols.
What is the role of Madame Forestier in the story?
Madame Forestier is Mathilde's wealthy friend who lends her the necklace. She is a symbol of the upper class and represents the life that Mathilde desires. However, Madame Forestier is also the cause of Mathilde's downfall, as the loss of the necklace sets off a chain of events that leads to Mathilde's unhappiness.
What is the significance of the ending?
The ending of the story is significant because it reveals that the necklace that Mathilde lost and spent years paying for was actually a fake. This adds a layer of irony to the story, as Mathilde's obsession with the necklace was ultimately pointless. It also shows that the pursuit of wealth and status can be dangerous and ultimately unfulfilling.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a classic short story that explores the dangers of obsession with material possessions and the pursuit of wealth. Through the character of Mathilde Loisel, Guy de Maupassant shows how the desire for status symbols can lead to unhappiness and misery. By asking these questions, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.
